During an appearance on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live in 2012, the former TODAY show host – who is widely known as "America's sweetheart" – was asked about his most annoying habit during their 15 years working together.

She responded, "He pinches me on the a-- a lot."

TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie announced Lauer's termination on air Wednesday morning telling viewers, "All we can say is that we are heartbroken. I'm heartbroken for Matt -- he is my dear, dear friend and my partner. And he is beloved by many, many people here. And I'm heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story, and any other women who have their own stories to tell."

Lauer and Couric in 2010. (Image: Getty)

NBC News chairman Andy Lack sent a memo out to the staff saying, "While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he's been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."

Below are a few red flags that have resurfaced since a female colleague accused Lauer of misconduct.

TODAY sketch

In a 2012 Today show segment, Lauer played a victim of sexual harassment. The satirical sketch showed Willie Geist smacking Lauer on the butt. In the video, Lauer was upset that Geist denied the claims and didn't apologise. "If you do it, own up to it," Lauer said. After the clip rolled, Al Roker asked upcoming guest Dustin Hoffman to weigh in on the case.

TODAY The Musical

Midway through the almost 15-minute musical performance starring the cast and crew of Today, Lauer took off his pants to iron them just as four female employees came into the room. He turns to them and says," Drink it in, ladies." They shot back saying, "Again, Matt?" "Really?" "It's the third time this week!" "Did your mommy give you those?" "Stop it! You're making me lactate." As they leave, he responds, "Get it while it lasts."

Anne Hathaway interview

Hathaway sat down with Lauer for an interview in 2012, where he opened saying, "Seen a lot of you lately," referring to an incident involving a paparazzi taking an exploitative photo up her skirt. She responded saying, "I'm sorry that we live in a culture that commodifies sexuality of unwilling participants, which takes us back to Les Mis, because that's what my character is."

Kelly Clarkson segment

Lauer introduced Kelly Clarkson, who was 23 at the time, saying the singer had a "new sound" and "hot new look, as well." Clarkson asked, "I have a hot new look? That's exciting," to which he replied, "Well, I'm back from vacation and you got my attention, I'll tell you that."